Lachlan passed away in January 2010. As a memorial, this site remains as he left it.Therefore the information on this site may not be current or accurate and should not be relied upon.
For more information follow this link

As of June 2005: shared "hostel style" accommodation in Waikiki is available starting at $12 per night
(cheaper is available for some types of memberships); and single hostel rooms start at $38 per night
(though some seem to be available for less). All quoted prices are in US$

Accommodation rates are not carved in lava. Inquire about the many
discounts available e.g., AAA, Airline, Corporate, Credit Card,
Entertainment Club, Kamaaina (local resident), Association Memberships,
Military, Travel Agency. If eligible for any of the above or other
special discounts, you'll quite often get a better price than the rates
quoted in this guide.

Accommodation rates do not include taxes. Many properties also charge an extra cleaning fee

Getting from the airport to town may be fairly expensive. Unless you
plan to rent a car, your best option is to hire a taxi, which will cost
$20-$25 to get to the university area. Taxis are readily available at
the airport. Look for guys in orange shirts that say "TAXI" on the back.
They are the dispatchers. Be aware that limo taxis cost the same as
sedan taxis. It's just luck of the draw what kind of car you get. Also,
all airport taxis must meet minimum specs, which means that they all
must have workable air-conditioning. Taxi drivers are notoriously stingy
about using their a/c, so before you even get into the car, politely ask
your driver if they have a/c, and then remind them again once you get in
the car if they don't immediately turn it on. If they give you a hard
time, write down their control number, which is visibly displayed on
their city permit posted on their dash, and tell them that you will
report them to taxi control. They'll think you're local, and they should
change their attitude. If they don't, contact taxi control when you get
the first opportunity at 532-7700.

Be aware that suitcases and large bags are not allowed on city buses, so
taking a bus into town from the airport isn't an option unless you're
traveling really light. You will not be permitted to board a bus with
luggage or bags, so don't even try innocently. Once you're settled into
your new surroundings, your best bet is to take the bus around town.

Feedback received about scientists using Hostels for cheap accommodation

To: "'L. Cranswick'" lachlan@melbpc.org.au
Date: Sat, 4 Jun 2005 10:33:58 -0400
Well this is all good. However, you're probably right that they would be
noisy. Most such places I have stayed in have been noisy. One I stayed
in in Vancouver got condemned by the city fire dept the one night I was
due to sleep there and we were all kicked out at 11pm. Probably for good
reason as it was jam packed with bunk beds and no fire alarm nor fire
escapes. Apparently there were so many people claiming welfare from the
one address that the city sent the police to look at it and that was its
downfall. But it was a good place with free shuttles btw airport and
also ferry terminals.
I have a feeling that if you wanted to sleep and also wanted to bring a
laptop etc, they would not be the place to stay.
I once saw a job at the University of Hawaii for a "part-time postdoc"
in one of the science departments. I assume that other part of your day
is free for the beach. At least this is more honest that UNSW where am
told many full time research students spend more time on the beach than
in the lab.

Examples of hostels and other accommodation in or near Waikiki/Honolulu/Oahu

Note received: the Banana Bungalow in Waikiki is closed and has been for a few
years. The good news is that while they are closed, there is also a new
hostel that has worked with Banana Bungalow to fulfill all of their
future reservations at the time they closed, and has hired on several
former Banana Bungalow employees.

Old Banana Bungalow Waikiki Beach review: Neighborhood: Waikiki

This funky hotel/hostel is located just a block away from famed
Waikiki Beach. It can accomodate more than 300 guests in dorm-style
hostel rooms and private rooms with bath. Unlike typical
youth hostels, linens are provided free and beds are made daily. All
rooms have cable TV and lanai (balcony); many have ocean views.

Other facilities include laundry maachines, a common room, common
kitchen and games area. Sometimes parties are held in the outside
garden/patio. The place attracts a mostly young, backpacker-type crowd.

Breakfast is included, and the hotel will even provide free airport
pickup. This friendly hostel also organizes regular activities like
barbecues, pub crawls, volleyball games and other fun things for its
guests to do.

Note from:
HATESL Information for New Students in the Department of SLS :
YWCA - Food sucks. Note it is an in-between house for women. Some people
have been stuck with horrible roommates. Usually the third floor is
reserved for international students though. Also, towards the end of
August, they don't have as many customers, so you can get a double room
all to yourself. UH has a website for housing available. You can check
there for listings.

Camping And Hiking in Hawaii and island of Oahu (where the City of Honolulu is located)

"February 2005 - I arrived around 9pm with morning flight at 5:15am.
Unfortunately the airport now closes after 11pm, so I was shut out of
all buildings. Fourtunatly, nighttime temperatures in Hawaii are
pleasant. The courtyard gardens which were mentioned by other posters
are -inside- security, which you'll have to exit to pick up your
baggage. If you have a boarding pass for an ongoing flight you /may/ be
able to sleep in one of these dark & quiet places on a wood bench. I
arrived after the ticket counter of my ongoing flight's airline had
closed, so I was unable to try that. The friendly security guard I spoke
with told me that I was welcome to sleep outside the airport, near the
curb. I found a springy wood bench 50' from the road between the
off-island and Aloha/Hawaiian terminals. The area was well enough lit to
feel safe but not too bright to sleep. The many security guards never
bugged me but stared a lot. After the first 3000 repetitions, I slept
about 2 hours through the announcements." Added 16 March 2005

"While the author of the site, "Sleeping in Airports", actually
encourages the reader to plan on sleeping in airports as a part of a
travel itinerary, don't do it. Airports frown upon being used as free
hotels. Resort to it if the only other option is sleeping in the street.

However, circumstances do sometimes arise that will force you to sleep
in an airport. Read tips such as finding comfy spots and keeping your
belongings safe, as well as some funny stories."

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